Mark McConnell, the young New Zealand lock whose line-out productiveness was a feature of Connacht's progress to the European Conference quarter-finals last season, is reputedly eager to return.

As Connacht and Buccaneers have since located a replacement overseas player, McConnell, who was ruled out of early-season games because of injury, may switch to Limerick.

Meanwhile, London Irish initiate their centenary celebrations with a gala ball on Friday. Honorary president Mike Gibson, Irish ambassador Ted Barrington and former Irish international second row Moss Keane, will be among the guest speakers.